The chief will replace George Achenbach, who retired last month after a decade of service to the borough. He or she will oversee a department of four part-time officers and the safety of an estimated 1,200 residents.

“He has given us 10 good years. He’s first class,” Duignam said today. “He gave us an accredited police department that is second to none. Some of the gifts we’ve received from him is making this a sound town.”

Duignam, who hired Achenbach, said the former chief was a patrolman for several years in
Plainfield Township before coming to Tatamy. He also worked as
assistant chief in Stockertown, departing in 2003 for the Tatamy chief
position.

A search committee made up of Duignam and other members of council plans on April 15 to open the dozen or so applications received, the mayor said.

A new chief likely would be named by the end of the month, Duignam said.

Currently, the department is being overseen by a borough police sergeant and corporal, Duignam said.

Achenbach’s annual salary was $46,887. A job listing says the new chief will be responsible for planning annual budgets and administering the daily responsibilities of a growing police department.